The Canon EOS Rebel XSi Places Superior Optics and Professional Features Into The Hands of Emerging Photo Enthusiasts with a new Optically Image Stabilized Lens and Professional Features. Canon's EOS Rebel series of digital SLR cameras helped to define and refine what it means to be an entry level digital SLR. Now Canon has redefined that gateway prowess with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag. The new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them.Bike Repairs-The Chain and Drive-Train. Last time we talked about the tires, how to repair a flat and how to find out if your wheels are running true. This is the second in a set of articles I plan to do on bike maintenance. These articles are not in any way intended to make you a bike mechanic. They are simply some tips to help you along and to do some quick repairs when a good wrench is unavailable.
Next to the wheels and tires this is probably the place where the most problems can and do occur. Everyone gets flat tires and at some point everyone has a problem with a gear not shifting, chain slap, or even a chain coming off while riding. I was riding down the bike trail with my two grandchildren a couple weeks back. Jason 9 was on his brand new SE Ripper and Kevin 7 was riding the little Jeff Gordon Bike. We saw a young rider up ahead who had come from across the highway. He went through the grass to the trail and rode quickly away from us. We were not going that fast. About 100 yards down the trail I saw him take off his back pack and throw it down in anger. His bike was lying there near the trail. We stopped to offer assistance and noted that his chain had come loose and off. I put it back on for him, but without any wrenches with me I could not tighten it up real well. I pulled the rear wheel back as far as it would go and told him to ride it slow and get it someplace where they could tighten the bolts, as well as showed him how to make sure the chain was snug and how to tighten it up.
He thanked me and the grandchildren and I rode on to the Dollar Store where we got an Ice Cream Bar for each of us, then headed home. I have had to tighten many a chain, and several have been right there on that bike trail in Moultrie Georgia. Chains come off for various reasons, the most common of which is simply being too loose, like the young man above. They can also come off because of a bent gear on the front or the rear. A poorly adjusted derailleur can cause the chain to come off also, though that is not usually a problem. Dirt, grime and build up of grease or even rust can throw a chain off a bicycle and can cause considerable problems. Here are a few tips on keeping the chain on the bike.
The main one is too check the chain before you go on any long rides, if it is loose tighten it up, make it snug. If it is dirty, clean it. You can do this with a rag soaked in degreaser or you can actually buy a chain cleaner. The Chain Cleaner is a little box with brushes inside that fits over the chain. Most of these you fill with degreaser and run the chain through them backwards. They do an excellent job on the chain. Now if the gears are gummed up, some degreaser and a rag or hose works well, an old toothbrush can be a real help to get into tight spots. The derailleur's can get gummed up too. I will often get a can of Liquid Wrench or WD-40 and spray on them to help clean out the gunk and also lubricate them. Gunk Engine Degreaser in the Orange spray can works great to clean spots you cannot get any other way. If you use it though make sure to wipe it off any painted surfaces and make sure to use a good quality lube afterward. Once you have cleaned and lubed the chain and made sure the tension is correct, spin the wheels using the various gears. I put the bike on the bike rack that is on the back of my van and will run the bike back and forth through all the gears numerous times, making sure that every gear and every spot on the chain gets cleaned and lubed as well as every spot on the gear itself.
Chains also do wear out, so check the chain for wear and replace it with a good quality chain if needed. While cleaning and lubing the chain I add a few drops of oil to the pedals and to the wheels, just as a little precaution.
The little extra care you take now may be the difference in finishing a ride or walking the bike home. Watch for future articles on Bike Maintenance, hopefully we will soon have some videos up too.
Jerry Goodwin has been certified as a Medical Technologist since 1977. He is also certified as a Personal Trainer, Cardiovascular Trainer and Medical exer-therapist. He is a Veteran of the US Navy having served during the Viet Nam era. Jerry also served in the Army National Guard in Ohio, Texas, Kansas and Georgia as a field medic with Infantry, Armored Cavalry, Artillery and Mechanized Infantry Units. He has earned several medals including the Army Commendation Medal. Jerry is the editor of Body Mind and Goals Ezine and the owner of BMG Services Fitness and Nutrition at http://www.bmgfitness.com check out my blog at http://www.bodymindgoalsnews.info
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